Friday, 25 January 2008

Remembering Saloma aka Salmah Ismail (1935 - 1983)

Some believed that her stage name SALOMA was given to her by Run Run Shaw of Shaw Bros when the film Salome which starred Rita Hayworth hit the Box Office. While others said it was coined by the 'love of her life' husband, P.Ramlee.

Puan Sri Saloma passing at a young age of 48 on 25 April 1983 left the nation with profound sadness and an end to a era of screen romance.

She married P. Ramlee in 1961. Till today, her movies and those acted along with Tan Sri P.Ramlee are classics and are still screened for the enjoyment of many... it's what legends are made of.

Saloma's choice of songs and music cut across racial boundaries and genre. Listen to these songs, for example:

Her acclaimed crystal clear and melodious voice captivated and mesmerised those who came far and wide to watch her perform. Soon after, offers to act came by and like the saying goes... the rest was history.

Charming , attractive and tinged with a look of innocence, she acted in numerous films and played lead roles which featured her prominent singing ability.

"KUALA LUMPUR"

"SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITHRI"

"BINTANG MALAM"

"BULAN BINTANG JADI SAKSI"

"ACI ACI BUKA PINTU" with P. Ramlee

"MALAM BULAN DI-PAGAR BINTANG " with P. Ramlee

"TUALANG TIGA"

Along with her husband, Saloma was a lead member of Panca Sitara Group. She also sung with the Kalung Senandung Group at Radio Singapura.

In 1975, she was awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) and in 1979, the Biduanita Negara (National Celebrity Award).